Nikon 1 J2 compact system camera refreshes range

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Nikon has added to its Nikon 1 compact system camera range with a refresh of its best-selling model. The Nikon 1 J2 retains many of the top-level features of its predecessor (the J1) but adds a new Creative Mode for those who like to fiddle with in-camera.

The dedicated function can add photography modes, filters and shooting settings to your shot preview, allowing you to see their effects before you shoot. There are night portrait, easy panorama and soft filter options, alongside many others.

A new, brighter 3-inch, 921k-dot LCD screen has been adopted for the J2 - its resolution has doubled over that found on the J1 - and there are other minor changes.

Other than that, the main features are identical to the J1. There's a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with EXPEED 3 image processing. An advanced hybrid autofocus system is on board, with switching between phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF depending on whether an object is shiny or poorly lit.

There's Full HD (1080p) video capture with the ability to take a full-resolution photo while filming. The camera is capable of capturing shots at 10 frames per second with the auto focus in motion, but if you focus on one spot that frame rate can be upped to 60 fps.

Motion Snapshot Mode takes a short, slow-motion movie and a still image at the same time, then combines them to make a moving image. Smart Photo Selector will snap 20 high-resolution images and choose the best one for you, based on facial expressions, composition and focus.

The Nikon 1 J2 continues to use the company's 1 NIKKOR interchangeable lenses, while an F-mount adapter is available doe using NIKKOR SLR lenses too. The camera will cost £499.99 with the 10-30mm kit lens, £649.99 for the twin kit, which also comes with the 30-110mm lens. It'll come in six colours, including the very fetching white version.

Also released on 6 September is the Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, and from the middle of August, a WP-N1 waterproof case for both the Nikon 1 J2 and J1 cameras will be available. The lens will cost £179.99, while the price for the case is yet to be confirmed.